Feeding pillows: Australian buying and safety guide
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A feeding pillow is not a baby bed, nest or cot accessory. Never leave a baby sleeping on or in one, including for a short nap while you watch. Red Nose identifies feeding pillows as unsuitable sleep surfaces and recommends keeping pillows and other soft items out of a baby’s sleep space. Red Nose’s six safe sleep recommendations and safe sleep visual guide for parents.
If your baby falls asleep during a feed, move them to their own safe sleep space: on their back, on a firm, flat surface, with the space clear of pillows and other soft items. Red Nose recommends that this sleep space is in the same room as a parent or caregiver for at least the first six months. Red Nose’s six safe sleep recommendations.
Keep holding and attending to your baby while using feeding support. A strap holds a pillow in place; it doesn’t turn it into a restraint or a hands-free place to leave your baby. The Australian Breastfeeding Association advises continuing to support your baby with your arms or body when using a pillow. Australian Breastfeeding Association positioning guidance.
If you’re worried about falling asleep during feeds, ask your midwife or child and family health nurse to help you plan for tired nights. Falling asleep holding a baby on a sofa or chair is unsafe. A firmer pillow doesn’t solve that risk. Red Nose’s co-sleeping guidance.
PERSONAL NOTE
Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding experiences of ones’ life, but let’s be clear, it is hard. As a new mum who is currently breastfeeding her 3-week-old, I applaud mums who carry on this journey. The sleepless nights, the on-demand feeds and many other hurdles during the journey are not easy, thus, having products that help you through this journey are extremely helpful.
Is a feeding pillow useful?
A feeding pillow is optional. Some parents find it useful for supporting their arms or finding a comfortable position; others prefer feeding without one. Try the support you already have before deciding whether to buy a specialist pillow.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association notes that a lap pillow can help with positioning for some families, but it can also make it harder to keep a baby close. Continue holding your baby with your arms or against your body while using support. Ask for help with attachment or discomfort rather than expecting a pillow to solve a feeding problem.
What to compare before buying
- Fit and height: check the pillow’s dimensions against your body, chair and feeding position. Avoid a setup that makes you lean over or lifts your baby too high.
- Shape and firmness: compare how the pillow supports your arms while you keep your baby close and supported.
- Cleaning: check whether the cover is removable and what care the inner cushion needs. A washable cover does not mean the whole pillow can be machine washed.
- Fastenings and storage: check the strap range, how easily you can release it and where the pillow will be kept between feeds.
Keep feeding pillows out of cots and bassinets. If your baby falls asleep during a feed, move them to their usual safe sleep space. The safety guidance above applies to every pillow in this comparison.
Feeding pillows to compare
The My Brest Friend Basic pillow has a wrap-around foam design, adjustable strap and removable cover. The current offer is the Flowery Meadow print.
Fit and care considerations
Compare the fastening, cover-care instructions and how the pillow fits your own body and feeding position. Keep supporting your baby with your arms or body while feeding. The strap positions the pillow; it is not a restraint or a hands-free way to hold a baby.
The Momcozy Original is a polyester-filled feeding pillow with an adjustable waist strap and removable cotton cover. The selected offer is the grey version.
Fit and care considerations
Check the pillow’s dimensions, strap range and cover-care instructions before ordering. Raised sections and a fastening strap do not replace your arms or supervision. Use the pillow only as feeding support while you hold and attend to your baby, and keep it out of the sleep space.
The grey Momcozy Cozylite is a memory-foam feeding pillow with an adjustable waist strap and removable cover. It is a different construction from the polyester-filled Original model.
Fit and care considerations
Compare the dimensions, firmness and cleaning instructions for this exact model. Check that you can maintain your baby’s position while continuing to support them with your arms or body. The raised edge is not a restraint or permission to leave a baby on the pillow, and the pillow must not be used for sleep.
This My Brest Friend Deluxe pillow has a wrap-around design and a removable plush fabric cover. The selected offer is the Evening Grey version.
Fit and care considerations
The fastening uses hook-and-loop adjustment with a release buckle. Check the fit range and care instructions before buying. A firm, flat cushion and back section are product features, not a guarantee of comfortable feeding or protection against a baby rolling.
Before buying
This listing is for the Deluxe pillow, not the older twin-feeding model. If you need support for feeding twins or have specific positioning needs, ask your midwife or lactation professional about a suitable setup. Continue holding and attending to each baby throughout a feed.
This Little Grape Land pillow has a removable bear-patterned cover. The current listing describes microfiber polyester fabric, so it should not be confused with the older white cotton model.
Fit and care considerations
Compare the shape, dimensions and care instructions with the position you use for feeding. Keep holding your baby and check their position throughout the feed. Do not use the pillow as a baby bed, unattended lounger or sleep positioner.
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